Featured freelance photographer brings color into focus at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Dudley Edmondson, freelance photographer and author of the book "Black and Brown Faces in Americas Wild Places," will exhibit his work, sign books and encourage urban dwellers to discover the beauty and solitude of the natural world in a presentation at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Minn., at 12:00 p.m. on March 1. The public is invited to bring their cameras and walk the grounds with the photographer after the book signing. This event is free and open to the public.
Dudley Edmondson, freelance photographer and author of the book "Black and Brown Faces in Americas Wild Places," will exhibit his work, sign books and encourage urban dwellers to discover the beauty and solitude of the natural world in a presentation at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Minn., at 12:00 p.m. on March 1. The public is invited to bring their cameras and walk the grounds with the photographer after the book signing. This event is free and open to the public.

This event is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of its new initiative, "Connecting People with Nature," and in celebration of Black History Month.

A 15-year photography veteran, Edmondson has captured on film nature and wildlife subjects around the country. Many of his images have graced the pages of natural history publications in the United States and Europe.

Edmondson and his wife live in Duluth, Minn. He learned the art of photography from his great grandfather, Monteith Vance, who was a portrait photographer and was issued a license by the state of North Carolina in 1919.

Edmondson began focusing his lens on people of color when he noticed how often he found himself to be the only African American or person of color in many of the outdoor wilderness settings he found himself working or vacationing in.

In 2005 Edmondson enjoyed an outdoor adventure entirely in the company of African Americans. For him it was a life affirming experience and one that he will never forget.

"Nature without question is for everyone. It knows no race, creed or gender and is cheaper that any therapist you could ever hire," says Edmondson.

Established in 1976 as a result of the efforts of a local citizen group, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is located in near the intersection of Interstate 494 and 34th Avenue in Bloomington, Minnesota. The refuge includes a visitor/education center featuring and 8,000-square foot exhibit space, a 125-seat auditorium, two multipurpose classrooms, a bookstore and an observation deck. The refuge also manages a 5,400-acre wetland management district.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. For more information on our new initiative visit, http://www.fws.gov/children.